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Running between the wickets remains one of cricket's most undervalued skills. Teams that run well can add 15-20 runs per innings without taking additional risks. Good running also puts pressure on fielding teams and creates more boundary opportunities by rotating strike effectively.

Calling and Communication

Clear partnerships:

First call: The striker calls for shots in front of the wicket.

Non-striker's role: Calling for shots behind the wicket where they have the better view.

Decisive calls: Yes, no, or wait - clear and immediate.

Changing calls: Only the person running to the danger end can change a call.

Running Technique

Low bat carry: Running with bat horizontal for faster turns.

Turning efficiency: Planting the outside foot and driving off it.

Ground cover: Maximum speed while maintaining control.

Slide technique: When and how to slide the bat safely.

Judgement and Awareness

Field assessment: Knowing fielder positions and arm strengths.

Reading the ball: Judging how hard the ball was hit.

Backing up: Non-striker moving with the bowler's delivery.

Risk calculation: Understanding when twos are on and when they're risky.

Partnership Building

Strike rotation: Keeping both batters involved and comfortable.

Protecting partners: Taking singles to shield weaker batters from dangerous bowlers.

Momentum building: Using quick running to lift scoring rates.

Energy management: Balancing running intensity with stamina over long innings.

Key Coaching Points

Communication between partners must be immediate and clear
The first run is always the easiest - look for the second
Running technique can be practised without batting
Know opposition fielders' strengths and weaknesses
Good running adds runs and creates pressure on fielding teams

Drills for Running Practice

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Cricket

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

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December 2025

Sportplan Coaching

Cricket Cricket Trends Catching Excellence: High Catches and Slip Catching

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Cricket Cricket Trends Running Between Wickets: Converting Ones to Twos

Running Between Wickets: Converting Ones to Twos

Elite running between wickets adds significant runs without risk. Quick singles, converted twos, and intelligent strike rotation separate the best batting partnerships from average ones across all formats.

October 2025

Sportplan Coaching

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DRILLS (30)DRILL CATEGORIES (8)SESSIONS (10) ANSWERS (22)

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Back foot defence

3-5 people stand in each net, with one bowler and the others waiting to receive the ball. Each bowler bowls 24 balls with the batsman getting 3 consecutive balls. If the batsman decides to leaves one of the balls then they may have another ball. On receiving 3 balls the batsman must join the back of the queue.

Back foot batting

Back foot defence: Playing in the V

Set up in groups as shown: one batsman, one wicket keeper, one feeder and one or two fielders. Mark out the V area with chalk or cones, approximately 4-5 metres wide. The batsmen has to try and hit the ball between the cones to score runs, if they do they get one run, if not, they lose two runs.

Back foot batting

Back Foot Drive Game

The Coach throws each player 3 balls which they should aim to hit towards the left or right target. If the ball is successfully hit towards the target the batting player must complete 2 runs. If a boundary is hit then the batsman gets another ball. If you leave the ball you get another ball. If you hit behind or outside the coned area you are out (or minus 4 runs)

Back foot batting

Off Drive

Batting Mechanics

Pull Shot

Back foot batting

Roller Ball

Two Teams of 6-11 people try to partner along the ground throwing the ball to each other. They are not allowed to move once they have the ball and to score they must hit the oppositions stumps. No one is allowed in the the square of cones at any time.

Ground fielding and throwing

Shy round square

Throw ball round the square trying to hit the stumps. When the stumps are hit reverse the direction.See how many hits can be got in 10 mins or race another team. When you hit, all move round until you complete the square.

Ground fielding and throwing

The Back-Foot Off-Side Driving Game

Organisation: Divide the group into 2 equal teams. Organise as shown in the diagram,set target for off drives only. Ball is served (on batters command of ready!) from the second cone infront of batter. Each player has 3 attempts to strike the ball. Fielders positioned between cones and boundary gather the ball and return to wicket keeper. An alternative method to execute a run out is for the wicket keeper to stand in a circle and instead of breaking the wicket when a ball is returned, simply to bounce the ball in the circle. Scoring: 1 run is scored if the ball passes between cones at fielders end, or is travelling in the correct direction when it is intercept (fielders remain behind the cones until the ball is hit). 3 runs are scored if ball passes between cones and batter runs around the cone and back again before the wicket keeper catches the fielders return and breaks the wicket. Direct hits count.4 runs are scored if ball reaches boundary wall and any extra runs completed. Batters may be caught or run out. Team with the most runs wins.Equipment: 1 bat and 1 tennis ball, set of wickets, 4 marker cones, and chalk markings.

Conditioned games

The Cut shot

Throw a short pitched delivery from (a) kneeling or (b) standing up - depending on the height and age of the batsmen. Throw the ball with pace outside off stump between waist and chest height. In a small sports hall: The shot is hit into a wall and fielders can stop the rebound.

Back foot batting

Warm up drills

Roll the ball along the ground to a team mate. You can run with the ball, but the ball must be rolled along the ground.Aim to hit the stumps (approach from any side of the square)in the opposition square, using an underarm flick. The square is made up of cones, distance 5-8 metres from the stumps.No fielders at any time are allowed inside the square. The ball is never out of bounds, as there are no boundaries.

Ground fielding and throwing

Hit the stumps! Ground fieldin...

The wicket keeper rolls the ball out for the players from each side to run onto and pick up. The fielding players run from each side in turns and try to hit the stumps with a fast throw. The keeper then collects the ball and rolls it out again for a player from the other side to run onto.

General

Hitting On Top Of The Ball Bat...

Set up a bench at the crease for the batsman to stand on.Batsmen stand in set position.The ball can either be thrown or fed through a bowling machine.Straight balls should be pulled by the batsmen and wide balls outside the off stump should be cut.

General

Target Throwing and Hitting th...

Set up as shown: two sets of stumps with a wicket keeper with a ball behind each. Two lines of players. The WK facing the two lines starts by throwing the ball out for player 1 to run out and catch Player 1 catches the ball and throws the ball over the stumps for the WK to catch. The second WK (player 4) now rolls the ball out for the fielder to run onto, gather and then throw at the stumps. Player 4 collects the ball and leaves it behind the stumps for the fielder. Players then rotate, with players 4 joining the back of the opposite line and player 1 taking up the role of second WK. Drill should be continuous.

General

Hitting a Target Fast and spin...

The practice should be setup as shown. Have one player as a wicket keeper and another as fielder. The bowlers take it in turns to bowl, with the fielder calling if the ball was a good line (pitched in the cones) or a good length (pitched level with the red hoop). If the ball pitches in the hoop then the ball is both a good line and length.

General

Shy round square Ground fieldi...

Throw ball round the square trying to hit the stumps. When the stumps are hit reverse the direction. See how many hits can be got in 10 mins or race another team. When you hit, all move round until you complete the square.

General

Loop Spin Bowling Fast and spi...

Player 2 bowls the ball over the front set of stumps to try and hit the back set.

General

Reverse Sweep Extras - Cricket...

ONLY FOR MORE ADVANCED PLAYER Played to a length ball pitching on or outside line of the off stump Batter must be low in their position, with head pushed forwards towards the ball Extend arms upon impact. Batter must accelerate shoulders horizontally, and hit through the ball. Ball should look to be played infront of square, and if appropriate/safe to do can be hit aerially. Batter can either switch legs (so back leg becomes front), or play off orthodox front leg (this is personal preference) Grip may switch if preferred to Encourage batter not to try and hit ball too hard, as this will be root of most problems here.

General

The back foot driving game Con...

Setup the practice as shown.Coach throws on one knee.All fielders except the wicket keeper and the player backing up must stand on the boundary between the cones until the ball is bowled. (Coach keeps hold of the ball when feeding every so often, to check whether fielders are moving too early). The Ball must be driven towards the target area, along the ground, and not defended. It must pass the first set of cones or the batsman is out. The batsman must complete 2 runs after striking the ball. The ball must be hit in the V to score runs. If it is hit outside that area or behind the wicket the batsman is out. (Give younger players another feed.)The wicket keeper must take incoming throws to the stumps either side of the original ones. Off side shots must be thrown to stumps on the off side (safety) and likewise on the leg side. Scoring: (Batsman bat one at a time): 4 runs if the ball is hit through the target area along the ground. 2 runs if the ball is hit towards the boundary and the batsman completes 2 runs. Penalty runs 2 runs if a fielder stops the ball with his foot. 1 run if a fielder move off the boundary too early. 4 runs if the player backing up the wicket keeper misses the ball (when boundary is not hit).Ways of getting out: Bowled, caught, stumped, run out (no LBW). Also: not completing 2 runs after hitting the ball (unless boundary is hit); hitting the ball outside the V; not hitting the ball past the first set of cones; hitting the ball over the fielders on the boundary.

General

Moving Out Competition Game Ru...

Two teams have 3 shots each (moving out to drive) which they must play as a drive shot. If they don't they will out. Fielders (3), (4) and (5) must collect the rebounds (or direct hits if there are no walls for you to use) and try to run out the batman. Players 1 and 2 are to back up incoming throws. If the ball hits the side wall 4 runs are awarded. If the ball is hit along the ground past the fielders 4 runs are awarded. If the ball is hit over head, six runs are awarded. Batsmen must complete 2 runs if they hit the ball and do not hit a boundary. Teams get a certain number of lives which are lost when out, they keep batting until all their lives are used.

General

Leave the ball and Playing in ...

RULES OF THE GAME You must play a straight-batted shot, otherwise you are out. If you hit the ball in the V or leave it, it counts as a run. If you hit it outside the markers, you are out. Practice 1. First, give each batsman a set number of deliveries (e.g. 15 or 25). 2. If the batsman is out, score -2.

General

Group coaching for the cut, ho...

(.)SWEEP Feed a one-bounce underarm from (A) standing up or (B) bobble feed. Throw a length ball slowly on leg stump which bounces around knee height. In a small sports hall Hit into a wall and fielders will get the rebound or catch. Important - no fielders within the target area. Batsman stands at least 8 metres from the wall. Outside or in a large sports hall Fielders stand within the target area. At least 15 metres from the batsman.

General

Roller Ball Ground fielding an...

Two Teams of 6-11 people try to partner along the ground throwing the ball to each other. They are not allowed to move once they have the ball and to score they must hit the oppositions stumps. No one is allowed in the the square of cones at any time.

General

The quick singles game Conditi...

This game can be played in teams (6-10 a-side) or in pairs (8-10 players). Rules of the game: There should be a batter at both ends. If playing in pairs, give each pair two or three wickets. If playing in teams, when a wicket falls it is the turn of the next batsman. Tip and run, or two or three balls to make a run. The coach throws either all front foot defence or all back foot defence bowls. The fielders must stay on the cones or with one hand on the wall until the ball is thrown, otherwise batsmen automatically get a two run bonus. Ways of getting out: Bowled, caught, run out, stumped, playing an attacking shot, or failing to score off the limited number of deliveries. The batsman can only score singles but the boundaries count for overthrows. Overthrows: side walls = 2 runs, back wall behind wicket keeper = 1 run, front wall = 4 runs (Unless you hit a 4 you can run singles to add to the side and back wall scores.) If a batsman leaves the ball it does not count and he does not have to run. If the batsman plays and misses it counts as a delivery

General

Back Foot Drive Game Back foot...

General

One Day Singles Cricket Condit...

10-12 players are needed for singles cricket and players should pair up so that they can bat and bowl in pairs. Each pair has 1-2 wickets, once these have been used those players are out. The rules change depending on how many runs are scored. If the batsmen have scored between 0 and 15 runs they are allowed 3 good balls in which they must hit the ball and run, otherwise lose a wicket. If they have scored between 15-30 runs the batsmen have 2 good balls in which they must hit the ball and run, otherwise lose a wicket. Above 30 runs you must play hit and run, regardless of how the ball comes. Above 40 runs the batsmen are awarded a bonus, if not out, of 10 runs and then they must retire.

General

Target throwing Ground fieldin...

Working in pairs with one ball per pair players throw the ball back and forth to each other. The object of the exercise is to hit the cone positioned between each pair using an overarm throw.

General

Driving Game Ground fielding a...

With between 5-8 players on each team. Each batsmen must drive on one out of 3 deliveries and run on the driven one, then complete two runs. The fielders must stay behind the boundary until the ball is hit. If a boundary is hit the batsmen gets an additional 3 balls. If the ball is hit out of the grounds then 6 runs are awarded. 1) Bat until all out or 2) Bat until teams wickets are used up i.e. 4 wickets per team.

General

Ian Bell - Cut Shot New Videos...

Batters need to capitalise when bowlers miss their length and bowl it wide. There are a number of different cut shots which can be hit in different areas. In this drill Ian Bell talks through how to get into the correct position with some key points you can use.

General

Forward Defence Front foot bat...

For groups of 3-6 people, with one player feeding. Feeder delivers 20 good feeds over arm, or until he gets a player out. Each Batter has 3-4 deliveries then they run to back of que and rotate around. Competition: The batter can choose to leave the ball or defend it through cones. If the ball goes into the air the batter is out. If you defend and hit the ball back through the cones you can call \"YES\" and run. If the ball doesnt go through the cones then you stay in batting unitl out of goes. (Target of 30 runs per group)

General

Group coaching for the front f...

Set the practice up as shown.Each player has 8-10 balls, then all rotate clockwise.The coach calls bat up before feeding the ball for the batsman to drive the ball through the v shaped cones.If the batsman leaves the ball they get another ball. If they play and miss they do not. If players deliberately play cross-batted shots on leg side they lose that round. (Be strict on this point).If players hit the ball into the air, over the fielders, it does not count and they lose that ball. Make the last round competitive: who can hit all balls through target area along the ground? Fielders must stop the ball. On the competitive round, if a player gets out, all change round.

General

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hit DRILL CATEGORIES

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Catching Drills

Fast and spin bowling Drills

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Ground fielding and throwing Drills

Catching Drills

Fast and spin bowling Drills

Front foot batting Drills

Ground fielding and throwing Drills

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How to stop my U12s using their bottom hand and hitting the ball up?

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

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Hi,i am facing problem when i hit the shot in air and?

Hi,i am facing problem when i hit the shot in air and it is catched on boundary...

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hi, i m facing problem to hit a shot as i hit the shot?

hi, i m facing problem to hit a shot as i hit the shot it goes high instead of long.

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how to play on leg side when 3 to 4 filders are thair?

in cricket

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How can I improve my bowling line and length?

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HOW CAN I HIT SIX PERFECTLY????

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Archived User Coach

1 answer

drills for batting practice by yourself?

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Archived User Coach

1 answer

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Archived User Coach

1 answer

Lesson plan for 5 year olds

Hi, can anyone help me with a basic plan for a first session with 5 to 7 year olds in throwing and catching?

james Coach, England

2 answers

How to defence special deliveries

How to defence doosra,flipper and googly.And hit them to boundaries Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Pavitra Londhe Coach, India

1 answer

bowling drill with 4 people

Is there any basic bowling drills for beginners, which has 4 player taking part

jordyn dore Coach, England

1 answer

I need help hitting the ball on the leg side?

I struggle to hit a full ball through the leg side and miss out on a lot of runs.

Thomas Coach, England

1 answer

How to play a lofted shot on a good length?

sash Coach, Sri Lanka

2 answers

for Umpire, Four Points to consider a batsman declaring LBW

Which points an umpire needs to consider before declaring a batsman LBW out ?

Raja Kibria Coach, Pakistan

2 answers

How do I hit long sixes in cricket?

I know I can hit sixes, but always they come in short from the boundary. I hit as hard as I could, yet the same. Why? Any known 'Chris Gayle' technique?

TBKR Coach, Sri Lanka

3 answers